Which side of history will CSB Senate be on?

Following a call to action from students working toward decolonization last Spring, a joint CSB and SJU Senate committee created a majority-agreed-upon proposal to create two new positions: Decolonization, Reparations and Justice Representative and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Representative. The first position aims to repair the terror of the past and the second would bring insurance for the future. At the first CSB Senate meeting of this academic year, the CSB Senate President called for a new proposal to be considered without a specific position working toward decolonization and reparations.

However important dialogue and the expression of varying opinions may be, it is even more important to understand that this position is absolutely crucial. To begin, our institutions have played a hands-on role in colonization. They previously operated Native boarding schools where they exploited Native people, ripped children from their families, colonized them and stole their culture, identity and language. We pay $60,000 in tuition each year to an institution that probably wouldn’t be here today without the forced labor of Native children. There are Native children buried on our campus. Read that sentence again. Despite this, we have yet to make even the smallest steps toward reparations. Having a position focused on decolonization and reparations is the smallest, most simple act that our institution can take in the right direction both for Native students and all those who have been colonized.

All this considered, this position would give a much needed voice to all those on campus who identify with a colonized group—not just Native students. This position is to shine a light on all those who have been colonized both directly and indirectly by our institution. There are times in life when one can decide to do the right thing, or one can choose to do the wrong thing. To me, this decision is simple. Having a position specifically working toward decolonization and reparations is simply the right thing to do—and it is the only thing to do.

According to their website, the CSB Senate’s description states “the St. Ben’s Senate is the voice of the students of the College of St. Benedict.” They state that their purpose is to “promote student’s rights.” They go further to say that they “envision two campuses where racial bias, discrimination and oppression do not exist.” These statements cannot be held true unless this representative is created. They have said over and over and over again that they want to be held accountable in the same way they hold others accountable. Please accept this as my expression of holding my fellow senators accountable who are not acting in accordance with our mission.

What side of history does the CSB Senate want to be on? The side that said no to students who advocated for what they believe in? The side that actively chose not to prioritize the needs of current, past and future students, as they are elected to do? The side that uses phrases like the “oppression Olympics” to justify silencing voices? Or the side that chose to finally take steps toward justice? Only time will tell.

While I do serve as the Academic Affairs Representative on the CSB Senate, this article is not on behalf of the Senate or my opinion as a Senator. This is my opinion as a student at the College of St. Benedict. My allegiance lies with the students of CSB, which is the reason I chose to run for Senate. If you have any interest in lobbying for this crucial issue, please contact me at srichter001@csbsju.edu and remember that all CSB Senate meetings are open to the public.